I can already imagine what my sister would think once she sees my to-do list. She’d probably say I should scrap everything on the list and prioritize on getting a better handwriting. Heh.

There are actually many things I want to try this year, such as calligraphy and lettering. But alas, handwriting is one of my weaknesses, and I should just focus on things that I know I can actually accomplish.

2015 is a year of promise, and I cannot wait to fulfill my plans one at a time. I will definitely struggle, and even for that, I cannot wait. I am often deluded into wanting too many things at once, and end up accomplishing too little. This year, I’m trying to dream less but bigger. I don’t want to feel rushed, and I have to constantly remind myself that everything will turn out fine—in its own time.

I’m pretty sure that I can accomplish most of these goals this year, if only I’ll learn to focus and to stop procrastinating. Also, to stop watching MasterChef everyday.

And it is turning out great, mostly because my vacation was extended for another week and on the brink of another more. The past week has been a great time to unwind from the chaotic holiday season and to think things through. I managed to lay out my  goals for the year and to visualize a 6-year plan.

I’m excited because this is the first time I’ve thought so far ahead. I’m just often planning what to watch during the weekend. It was almost unheard of to plan what I want to do for the next year! But 6 years? I just hope I’ll be able to pull it off. It won’t see the light of the internet, though, because it’s way too personal. I’m trying not to prove some people’s claim that my life is an open book. HEHEHE.

So here are my 2015 goals! I managed to cut it down to only nine, which is an accomplishment in itself.

Explore local destinations

One reason is because I live in a lovely country with 7,107 islands and I’ve only explored, like, 10. I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure I haven’t seen enough of its beauty. Another reason is that international travel burns a hole on my savings account, and I’m starting to feel guilty.

Watch 52 Asian movies

I didn’t watch enough Asian movies in the past year! It was Asian movies that pushed me to create this blog, but I ended up not watching enough of it. It’s just that there were so many good Korean dramas lately, okay!

Get back in shape

The holiday season was 50% fun and 50% depressing, because there’s always someone commenting on how much I’ve gained weight. Frankly, I don’t think I’m big. But a few more kilos and I’m already overweight. I gained 10 kilos since graduation! Also, my pants barely fit, and I don’t have the means to buy new ones. (I can just wear dresses then, which wouldn’t be so bad.)

Go back to school

If I pursued my plans of going to grad school years ago, I would have graduated by now. Heh. I have found the perfect curriculum that can put to good use my undergrad degree and work experience, so please wish me luck!

Monetize blogs

This is something I swore to do last year, but too many things happened that I failed to actually work for it and get some ads up. But I’m optimistic! It won’t be easy, but with all the knowledge I learned from my previous job, I hope to at least get a cent or something.

Read 35 books

I now fully accept the impossibility of reading 52 books in a week. It happened once, but juggling writing and traveling left and right can eat more than half of the time I’m supposed to be reading. And oh, kdramas. Last year, I only read 21 books, which isn’t a bad number. I just want to read more! I actually want a book blog, too, but I realized I don’t really have the time for it.

This year, I also plan to read more Filipino lit! I had the pleasure of reading Edgar Calabia Samar’s Si Janus Silang at ang mga Tiyanak ng Tabon and Annette Flores Garcia’s Mga Tala sa Dagat. Both are pretty great, and I cannot wait to read more Filipino lit!

Write more

To write fiction, mostly. To write more for myself. To write freehand.

Volunteer

I sadly didn’t get to do it last year. There were too many events on a weekend! But this year, since I’m not traveling much, I guess I’ll have more free Saturdays!

Save!!!!!!!111!!!!!!!!!1!!!!!!11!!!!!!

If only I can use a bigger font to emphasize how it’s my utmost priority this year. I promise to redeem myself and make my piggy bank proud.

This year, I have another goal that encompasses all my other goals. It’s inspired by my favorite Korean drama (of course), Misaeng! Let me share to you the message that left me breathless and overly emotional. It’s pretty damn great:

Geu-rae: Be drunk. You must always be drunk. Everything lies in that; it is the only problem. To avoid the detestable weight of time that makes your shoulders give and makes you fall to the ground, you must be incessantly drunk. Whether it be on alcohol, poetry, or virtue, be drunk. Wherever you are, wake up from the hindering loneliness. If you get lost, just ask — the wind, water, stars, birds, time, everything that passes, everything that feels sadness, everything that runs, everything that sings, everything that talks — what time it is. They will reply. Now, it’s time to be drunk. (x)

In another translation, they used the term “absorbed” instead of “drunk.” That’s what I plan to be this year. I want to be absorbed. I want to be so caught up in my work that I forgot to do anything else. I want to get lost in books and dramas and feel every pulse of the words and actions in the stories I entangle with myself. I want to get lost in my love for writing, I want to be consumed with my love for people. I want to be absorbed.

So here’s to a productive 2015 for you and me! *clinks coffee mugs*